3 Tips for Navigating the Holidays with a Newborn
The holidays can be an exciting time, but if you’ve just had a baby, they can also bring up some serious anxiety. It can feel overwhelming between family gatherings, everyone wanting to meet the baby, and the pressure to attend events. But guess what? You don’t have to do it all, and you can set boundaries that work for you and your newborn.
Here are three practical tips to help you navigate the holidays confidently while prioritizing your rest and bonding with your baby.
What You Will Learn in This Blog Post:
How to avoid your baby being passed around at family gatherings
How to confidently set boundaries and say no to events or family requests
How to prioritize your healing, rest, and bonding time with your baby
1. Set Boundaries Around Family Gatherings
The holidays can bring a lot of excitement, especially when family and friends are eager to meet and hold your newborn. However, if you’re not comfortable with your baby being passed around, babywearing is a fantastic solution. By keeping your little one close to you in a carrier, you’re creating a natural boundary, making it easier to avoid handing the baby.
Remember, it’s okay to set limits. One simple way to handle this is by sharing your preferences beforehand. Let people know you’re focusing on keeping your baby healthy, especially during cold and flu season, and kindly explain that close contact will be limited for now.
Here’s a script you can use:
"We’re so excited for everyone to meet the baby, but for now, we’d love it if you could admire from a little distance. We’re trying to avoid too much contact while the baby is still so little."
Most people will understand and respect your decision when you’re clear about it. And remember, you’re not being overprotective—you’re being proactive about your baby’s well-being.
2. Get Comfortable Saying No
The holidays often come with invitations to family dinners, holiday parties, and other social gatherings. But when you have a newborn, your energy and focus need to be on recovery and bonding, not meeting social obligations. It’s okay to say no, and you don’t owe anyone an explanation. Prioritize what feels right for you and your baby.
You could say something like:
"We’re going to sit this one out this year, so we can focus on resting and enjoying our time as a new family, but we hope to join in next time!"
Setting boundaries with family can be tough, but remember that your healing and your baby’s needs come first. Saying no isn’t selfish—it’s necessary to maintain your sanity during this demanding time.
3. Prioritize Rest, Healing, and Bonding
Between sleepless nights and the physical recovery from birth, you need time to rest and heal. It’s easy to get swept up in the hustle of the holidays, but don’t forget that this is your time to focus on bonding with your baby. Accept help from family members when it’s offered, and don’t be afraid to ask for support when you need it.
Create small rituals during the holidays that help you bond with your newborn, whether it’s cozying up for a quiet evening at home, reading holiday books to your baby, or simply cuddling under a blanket while you recover. This season is about making memories that matter—and those don’t have to include every event or party.
Your Holiday, Your Rules
Navigating the holidays with a newborn can be challenging, but with these simple tips, you can protect your space, set healthy boundaries, and focus on what really matters—your rest, healing, and precious bonding time with your baby. The most important thing to remember is that you get to set the rules for how you want to celebrate and who you want around your baby. Take things at your own pace and enjoy this special time with your new little one.
Ready to dive deeper? Download my guide, POSTPARTUM ON PURPOSE: A GUIDE TO TAKING CHARGE OF YOUR WELL-BEING, and start building your personalized postpartum plan. You deserve all the care and support to make this journey as smooth and empowering as possible.
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